Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/140745
" I really enjoyed decorating these shoes for people. I saw how many people liked them and it made me happy to see them enjoy them. It's a good feeling that people really like what you are doing, not only because of the cause, but because of what you created," Dunn says. SAVVY JOB IDEAS. Dobies offers the following tips for teens: In addition to gofer work and filing, seek opportunities with small, local start-ups looking for tech-savvy young people to help with the ins and outs of online social media like Twitter; set up and manage their business Facebook page; help facilitate email communication; or even blog for them about teen topics like fashion or area hotspots. Whether you design jewelry, artwork, kids clothing or dog attire, people spend money on unique products. Flea markets offer tables for free or for a small fee to vendors. If you can't afford the fee, find a financial sponsor to cover the cost of the table. And, don't just sell your products that day - give customers the opportunity to place orders to build your business after the event. Offer services for aging baby boomers and busy families, like window washing, minor clean-up or errand-running, that they wouldn't hire a full-time service worker to do. Dog-walking, pet-sitting and house-sitting can also be lucrative options. Develop business skills and resilience. If your teen sets out on the entrepreneurial path, help him market himself, network and manage his image. Dobies says teens should be mindful of the perception they're communicating to potential customers and avoid burning bridges. Suggest your child create an album or portfolio highlighting her products or services. She can ask clients to write comments to include in the portfolio. A portfolio can help your teen "show what a fabulous, reliable, productive and positive person (she is)," Dobies says. And if the first few attempts don't go anywhere, encourage your teen to keep trying. " Persistence is a requirement in order to be successful in this world!" Dobie says. "As well as integrity, we don't have enough of that," she adds. Christa Melnyk Hines, a freelance journalist, wife and a mother of two, is inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of individuals who know how to turn lemons into lemonade. www.fredericksburgparent.NET 17